For Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates who want to vote in the 2028 Philippine National Elections, overseas voter registration is the first step and it is done at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. Once registered, you can then check your name if you’re on the official list of certified Filipino voters in Dubai.
The overseas Filipino community in the UAE has consistently been one of the largest sources of overseas votes. In the previous national elections, the UAE ranked among the top posts worldwide for voter turnout. If you live in Dubai or the Northern Emirates, here’s what you need to know to register.
Registration Period: December 3, 2025 to September 27, 2027
The continuing registration cycle for overseas voting resumed on December 3, 2025. Qualified Filipinos in the UAE can register anytime from December 3, 2025 until September 27, 2027.
You can register online first, then appear in person at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai (for those based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates) or at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) reviews applications on a quarterly basis to keep the process transparent and accurate.
Bottom line: Complete both the online form and your in-person appearance within the registration window to secure your voter status.
Philippine National Election – May 8, 2028
The 2028 Philippine National Elections cover key positions, including the President, Vice President, Senators, and local officials. Both local and overseas Filipino voters will help choose leaders who will serve for the next six years.
Election day is scheduled for May 8, 2028, with overseas voting running from April 9 to May 8, 2028. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) oversees the process, and automated voting machines will again be used for efficiency and accuracy.
Qualifications / Eligibility
To register as an overseas voter, you must:
- Be a Filipino citizen, either by birth or naturalization
- Be abroad, or plan to be abroad, during the voting period
- Be at least 18 years old on May 8, 2028
- Have no disqualifications under Philippine law
Who Are Disqualified?
You may be disqualified from voting if you have:
- Lost your Filipino citizenship under Philippine law
- Renounced your Philippine citizenship or pledged allegiance to a foreign country (except dual citizens under Republic Act 9225)
- Been convicted of an offense punishable by at least one year of imprisonment (voting rights can be restored five years after completing your sentence, or through plenary pardon or amnesty)
- Been declared insane or incompetent by a competent authority (this can be lifted with certification that you are no longer insane or incompetent)
Requirements
Gather the following before you register:
- Valid Philippine Passport – Bring the original and a photocopy of the relevant pages.
- No Valid Passport? – Obtain a certification from your foreign service post confirming your documents are sufficient for passport issuance, or that you are a valid passport holder who cannot present it for a valid reason.
- Seafarers – Include a photocopy of your Seaman’s Book or another document proving your seafaring status, in addition to the passport or certification above.
- Dual Citizens – Submit your Dual Citizenship certificate or Order of Approval (original and photocopy) with the documents above.
- Personal Appearance – Required in most cases to capture your biometrics.
- OVF 1 Form – Complete the Overseas Voting Form 1, available on the COMELEC website.
Note: Registered overseas voters with complete biometric data may use the Office for Overseas Voting’s (OFOV) Virtual Frontline Services (VFS) for certain applications. To transfer your registration to a Philippine municipality, city, or district, file your application at the local Office of the Election Officer where you intend to vote.
How to Register Online for Overseas Voting
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Documents
Prepare your valid Philippine passport. Dual citizens may use Dual Citizenship documents, and seafarers should have their Seaman’s Book ready.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Visit the COMELEC website and complete the iRehistro online form. This generates your OVF1 form with a QR code for verification.
Step 3: Submit the Application Form
Save the completed OVF1 form as a PDF, then print it on A4-sized paper. Personally submit the printed form at the nearest Overseas Voting (OV) registration site.
This process is governed by the Philippine Overseas Voting Act (R.A. 9189, amended by R.A. 10590) and overseen by the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV).
How to Register OFW Voting at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai
If you are based in Dubai or the Northern Emirates, follow these steps:
Step 1: Set an Appointment
Book an appointment through the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai’s official scheduling link – https://dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph/overseas-voting-registration-appointment-portal
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
On the day of your appointment, bring a copy of your passport and your completed OV registration form.
Step 3: Complete Your Registration
Proceed to the voter registration counter, where Consulate staff will assist you. Provide your personal details, verify that all information is accurate, and keep any confirmation or receipt as proof of your registration.
How to Vote as an OFW in Dubai – 3 Ways
Voting in Person using a Vote Count Machine (VCM)
Step 1: Confirm Your Registration
- Ensure your name is registered on the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV), which will be posted by the Philippine mission in Dubai at least 120 days before the election period. Once your registration is confirmed, prepare your documents for the election.
Step 2: Schedule Your Vote
- Schedule a day to vote at the Philippine foreign post (embassy or consulate) in Dubai. Be aware of the specified time frame for overseas voters’ accommodation.
Important: Check the website or social media pages of the Philippine foreign post for health and safety protocols and follow them during the election period.
Step 3: Cast Your Vote
- Upon arrival at the polling site, you will receive a ballot, a secrecy folder, and a pen.
- Proceed to a voting booth and shade the ovals corresponding to your chosen candidates and party-list.
- Hand your completed ballot to the Special Board of Elections Inspectors (SBIEs) for processing.
- The machine will produce a receipt, which you should place in a designated box.
Voting in Person – Manual
Step 1: Verify Your Registration
- Check the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) posted by the Philippine mission in Dubai at least 120 days before the election period. Once verified, prepare your documentary requirements for voting.
Step 2: Go to the Voting Location
- Visit the designated Post Office or other approved voting locations in Dubai.
- Present your valid passport or ID to the Electoral Board.
- Provide your name and address for verification.
Step 3: Cast Your Vote
- After verification, sign and affix your thumbmark to the List of Abroad Voters with Voting Records (OVF No. 2-A).
- Receive a ballot and use a ballot secrecy folder to fill it out.
- Fold the ballot as received and return it to the Poll Clerk, who will deposit it in the ballot box.
- Supervision of the voting and vote counting is overseen by SBIEs.
Voting by Post Mail
Step 1: Receive Your Ballot
- If you choose to vote by mail, expect to receive an envelope containing the Official Ballot, Certified List of Candidates, Instructions to Voters, Official Ballot envelope, and Paper Seals. You will need to complete this process independently.
Step 2: Complete and Seal the Ballot
- Fill out the Official Ballot and place it in the “Ballot Envelope,” ensuring it remains undamaged.
- In the designated section of the “Ballot Envelope,” write your full name and sign it, then seal it with a paper seal.
Step 3: Submit Your Ballot
- You have the option to mail or physically deliver your sealed ballot to the Post Office.
- Mail your ballot as early as possible to ensure it arrives at the Post Office on or before the specified deadline.
Note: Field voting centers or mobile voting centers may be available for a limited number of days.
Voting for Seafarers
Seafarers can vote at any Post that uses personal voting or, in the case of postal voting, at any Post with international seaports recognized and endorsed by the Department of Foreign Affairs-Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS). Ensure you follow the respective procedures for your chosen voting method.
Contact Information
Philippine Consulate General in Dubai (PCG-Dubai)
Address: 851 Beirut St, Al Qusais 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact number: +971 4 220 7100
Website: https://dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinDubai
Office hours:
Monday to Thursday: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Friday: 7:30 am to 12:00 noon
Google Map Location
Map guide to the PCG Dubai office in Al Qusais, Dubai, UAE: